How to Paint on Plastic Video Game Controller

[@oglacam]

Best tutorial I’ve seen so far thanks man if your watching this take your time if your just a visual person mute it and speed the video up

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Glad it helped

[@kaboomsihal1164]

I painted my first one without any sanding, just gesso and acrylic. So far it's holding. It had a fairly rough texture to begin with, not a gloss finish. I realised after finishing the thing that it probably would have been a good idea to sand lol. Be interesting to see how long it will last

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Interesting: gesso is ment to stiffen up fabric on a canvas. Can you let us know how its holding up?

[@AlaskaAfterDark]

I'm new to this. I got lost after the sanding and the video sped up.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Prep with Alcohol and use Autoborne Sealer as a primer before putting artwork on.

[@pabrams5261]

Super useful video. I do have one question. You mention using a finisher “of your choice” but I am SUPER new to this. Do you have a recommendation?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Use Rustoleum Painters Touch 2X Gloss Clear. Thin Layers allow it to dry. do like 5 layers sanding flat before the last layer.

[@DOODOOMAN118]

I have a scratched up gameboy advanced sp I wanna touch up.

[@scottys-customs]

This video is so informative and helpful. Thank you!! What type of paint are you using specifically?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

its acrylic. Createx is the brand

[@xt3100]

this is really useful. i intend to use some spray cans but not in a spray gun. to repaint and hopefully restore what i can of a limited 3DS edition. Any times on how do you use masking tapes and other skins to mask and paint? i am going to be trying to repaint an Original 3DS XL Japan Mario Limited Edition. Any good tips? and yes i am going to be taking it apart first. Any good tips on what to use for a painting background? tarps etc?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Take a look at most of my custom controller videos for more tips, but I recommend using autoborne sealer as a primer. This has a really sticky finish and will help with all your maskings. I would add 5% to 10% autoborne sealer to your acrylic colors for each layer as you mask and continue adding layers of paint. at the end i would add clear coat (3 tack coats / 5-7 layers of wet coats. Sand plastic with 220 grit followed by green or brown pad before autoborne sealer. If your going to do straight spray can I would recomment to use 2X painters touch (rust oleum) I would avoid masking as much as possible because you may peel it. I would paint details with a brush instead of masking. Clear everything at the end.

[@comedyreliefguy5112]

What do you use to paint? I can't find anything I'm for sure about and your design looks good with what you used.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

I use Iwata Airbrush and Createx Paint.

[@vikj1255]

Good stuff and information

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Thanks

[@CapnFlags]

I really appreciate this, dude! It’s an old video but I’ll still ask a bunch of questions. I’m painting the Wii Zapper. My first question is if you have any tips for someone using spray paint from the can instead of a spray gun? My main color is Rust-Oleum’s Color Shift “Blue Galaxy” and because the Zapper breaks down to multiple pieces, do I need to spray the Zapper assembled in order to get best effect? It might be a silly question because I’m only going off a very distant memory with an auto painter and I’m not sure if it’s even relevant now 😂 It was about some of the OG “chameleon” paint jobs. He said you have to paint the body and doors/bumpers/skirts/etc together to get the best effect. It was about show cars but if it’s relevant, I have the time so you know why the heck not! 😂 As it stands I have it broken down and ready for primer. It’s Rust-Oleum sandable auto primer in black. Is it necessary to do any sanding of the primer in my case? I’m yet to purchase a clear coat, any recommendations? Thanks in advance, dude.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

1. Yes you can use spray can. Disassemble as much as you can to get a clean result. Sand with 400 grit sand paper. spray 3 very light mist coats allowing them to dry in-between each coat. Then spray 2-3 heavy coats. Allow to dry, then Clear coat with Painter Touch 2X (same process light coats and nice heavy coat). Test your two paints on a scrap to make sure they work together. 2. When you paint candy colors on such a big thing like a car and you want show quality, then yes its recommended to paint all assembled. But with your project you don't have to. Also if you try to spray it assembled you will have an issue getting good coverage on the panels since you be twisting and rotating the whole thing just to try to get to the bottom the side the back the front etc. Also how will you lay it down for it dry? If sprayed assembled you may get runs since the paint may want to collect in the seems. 3. I would sand the primer with maybe 400+ grit, just to get it smooth. For clear try the 2X painters touch. I use this over acrylic and it works well, just test it with the chameleon paint before. I laydown like 5 coats of clear (allowing to dry in between each coat). You can do a wet sand with 600+ grit sand paper to get any imperfections out in the middle of spraying those 5-6 coats of clear.

[@CapnFlags]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner I can’t thank you enough, dude. Seriously. Separate pieces it is! I took some cardboard and plastic sheeting and rigged a janky-looking little spray booth. I rigged it so I can hang each piece from the top using combos of wire hanger, fishing line, and pipe cleaners (making sure to attach them in the right spot). They will hang to dry as well. I don’t want dust and stuff collecting on them as they dry, I was going to hang them in their own little plastic tent for the initial drying stage. Do you think this’ll be OK? I also have made the teeniest mistake and have to fill in just a little bit of the plastic. I haven’t looked up what I can use to fill it, but if it’s anything like the base of a ski or snowboard I’ll be able to find something I can melt into it that’s sandable. I suppose I can take a broken one and try actual P-Tex in the meantime. This is cool I appreciate you.

[@sincerecity1193]

Can you do a video on oculus controllers. How to refurbish or retouch the controller for scuffs.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

For scuffs you can use glazing putty bondo to fill the small scratches. Then prime as you normally would to get rid off the scuffs.

[@ohsvu]

am i able to paint the joysticks to a different color or do i have to buy a different color one?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

You could paint it but would be a lot of work getting the rubber material off with sanding. If you have the patience you can do it. Just be sure to clear it so its durable.

[@realkhranyewest4627]

which markers would you recommend to paint on plastic?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

I recommend using acrylic markers and them clear coating it. If you are doing some basic coloring maybe oil base markers with no clear. I highly recommend sanding the item with 320 grit sand paper at least.

[@pabrams5261]

Excellent question and answer!

[@dragontalker]

can i ask would this method work for switch controllers as well?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

I don't see why not. I think its also plastic. If it has a rubber coating you will have to remove it all before you begin to paint it.

[@dragontalker]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner cool

[@doczedz8230]

let's say I want to airbrush my game console, would you recommend these steps? I wanted to do my dreamcast in a new color

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Yes, for the most part you can use this process to paint plastics. The two most important parts is sanding and using autoborne sealer as your base.

[@hphp7587]

Did you do this as a showpiece item or did you actually use the controller? How long did the finish last?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

all projects are actual orders for customers. Finish last a long time, similar to automotive finish.

[@dontmesswithatlas]

what if im just gonna paint little stripes on it?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

you can use oil paint markers or enamel paint. Acrylic paint marker will work too.

[@dontmesswithatlas]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner okay thanks

[@dontmesswithatlas]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner also boom i got you 500 subs now im the 500th :>

[@imtheonlyflame1570]

Hello, is it obligatory to sand it before painting ?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

If your only ding a solid color and your clearing it you might get away with not sanding, but its highly recommend whether you are doing one color or multi color designs.

[@imtheonlyflame1570]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner thank you so much appreciate the reply

[@Holtakháborúja]

thnx !!

[@jeanvandame4054]

Eh estado buscando como poner textura debajo del control. Para ke tenga grip 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Venden spray para grip en Amazon. www.amazon.com/Seymour-16-083-Resistant-Coating-Spray/dp/B019RTKF4K/ref=sr_1_12?crid=Q87EAXR5HWBT&keywords=non%2Bslip%2Bpaint&qid=1651029986&sprefix=non%2Bslip%2Bpaint%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-12&th=1

[@ihavecookies.9955]

Do I have to take the face plate off?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

disassemble the controller before painting it.

[@sphinx6667]

Nice vid , btw is the clear coat ( the one that made the controller glossy ) mandatory or it is optional because i like the item to be matte , metalic so is it just ok if i dont add the last coat

[@sphinx6667]

Thx in advance

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Its highly recommended to protect your artwork. I would clear it for sure.

[@scottpadilla5050]

They actually sell matte clear coats instead of glossy clear coats. Very useful for having a very low shine while still protecting the controller. I would very highly recommend it since you're constantly going to touch it. Edit: Make sure the paint you're working with is either flat, matte, or satin. Theres no point working with gloss if you're not trying to get a shine on the color.

[@sphinx6667]

@@scottpadilla5050 thank you for the advise I already found out about the matte clear finish and i spray painted my mouse and it was perfect

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

They have clear coat that is Matte. The colors will be a bit dull. Great for solid colors and military paint jobs.

[@sewiim3612]

do i really need Autoborne sealer and clearcoat ? what happens when i dont use them ?

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

If you do not use them, the paint will eventually peel off.

[@sewiim3612]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner can i just use primer? Other youtuber dont do it

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

@@sewiim3612 Yes, you can use primer and paint only. For added protection clear coat is recommended. From a spray can work well.

[@sewiim3612]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner thx so much for ur tips

[@sewiim3612]

@@ErnieHernandezdesigner do you have any recommendations on amazon for clear coats? in eu

[@javierhenriquez2541]

Does the sanding leave marks on the plastic??

[@calebgautreau]

Yes but you gotta put a few layers and then you can’t notice it at all. Plus some clear coat you can’t tell at all

[@javierhenriquez2541]

@@calebgautreau great! Thanks!!

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

it needs to so the paint sticks. but disappears after you apply the paint.

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

It does at first, but the sealer, paint, and clear coat will cover the initial marks.

[@richg4051]

the primer should cover all the marks if not use a finer grit

[@Tito-hz9zh]

Argentina! Argentina!

[@imfire1703]

Assom

[@ErnieHernandezdesigner]

Thanx man